61306 - The Cathedrals Express 01-03-15

I can understand your point, but to be fair, RTT does say 60mph max, rather than as an indication.

 

Some points on RTT are "best fit" where it comes to charters than a clear indication, another example being it usually says "diesel locomotive" purely because there isn't a category for steam, so the system knows it's not electric and has to stick to electrified lines.

Also if a charters not showing at a certain point, try searching for it at a bigger station along the route or a station where it's due to stop and finding the times that way, not every shack it's due to pass will show a passing time for it when doing a search, RTT has a few little quirks it takes time to get used to.

ML stretches could just be a result of some good work in the timings department, 5043 the other year was on the down main from Ladbrooke Grove to just shy of Didcot, so main to Slough I reckon is doable if timed right.

 

Anyone heard of any changes to Sunday's timings? I haven't had my tickets yet and the timings are the usual reason. I checked on the website and it says they are awaiting final timings from NR. Wonder if it's anything to do with the Maidenhead Pick up/set down that is on their website but not on RTT?

 

There is extensive track work (cross rail related) going on that weekend, the relief lines will have a possession in many places and lots of intermediate stations are closed. you will need to plan carefuly to get a platform side view.

 

West Ealing's road overbridge is 10 seconds from our hotel, so that's good enough for me.

 

They have posted on Facebook today that it is planned to run without a diesel, and there are still 30 places left.

 

As I'm booked on this I'm keeping fingers, toes, legs and eyes crossed for no diesel on the back. Have stopped short of human sacrifice though.

 

It may be a Thompson design but a chance to show the Swindon mob what a proper 5MT 4-6-0 should look like.

 

That is a good point but I'm also praying that the performance is what a proper 5MT should produce. The coppertops have set the bar quite high.

 

Should look good at Twyford and pulling away,; it may be that Maidenhead travellers will have to go to Twyford ?? Good also that she is travelling the GWR before the wires go up . The headboard could be pretty large if indeed it has all the words on.

 

If you want large headboards, the ER produced some very large ones in the early 50s.

 

All joking aside, I'm just looking for a competent, diesel free trip. Sapperton could be interesting.

 

A shot in the dark

 

Of no consequence to those of us on board.

 

My tickets arrived by e-mail at 17:18 this evening. Hopefully yours have too. NR have not granted a stop at both Maidenhead nor at Goring & Streatley.

 

Looks like you are in luck,an LE move for the diesel from Paddington back to Southall is now in RTT:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55277/2015/03/01/advanced

Fingers crossed for Sapperton!

 

Cheers. Now hoping that standard class will be at the front for the return leg.

 

Anyone know, how far the electrification has reached on the GWML ?